Michigan Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawsuit Lawyers

Our Michigan medical malpractice attorneys file cases against hospitals and doctors for the failure to properly diagnose a heart attack. Patients who present to a doctor’s office or hospital presenting with signs and symptoms of a heart attack are a frequent type of malpractice claim. A patient presenting with the symptoms of a heart attack should be carefully evaluated and tested for the condition before being discharged home from the hospital.

Why are Heart Attacks so often Misdiagnosed by Doctors & Hospitals?

Doctors and hospitals often fail to identify a heart attack or conditions immediately preceding a heart attack. Rather than "think" heart attack, the doctors attribute complaints to other less serious conditions. These conditions include muscle strains, indigestion, reflux, and even panic attacks. Failing to consider a heart attack and perform a necessary workup can lead to serious consequences, including death.

What are the Major Symptoms of a Heart Attack?

Common symptoms and complaints made to doctors and hospitals that give concern about a heart attack, include:

Chest discomfort.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

Pounding heart or changes in heart rhythm.

Heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.

Breaking out in a cold sweat.

Heart attack symptoms may be different in a woman. These symptoms can include body aches, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.

It essential that physicians take all appropriate measures based upon the patient history, symptoms, and complaints to determine whether the patient is having a heart attack or at risk for a heart attack in the near future. If a patient has problems consistent with a cardiac episode, it is urgent that proper testing be performed by the medical facility.

What are Common Tests Used to Diagnose a Heart Attack?

A heart attack is not diagnosed by history and complaints alone. Diagnostic studies are used to assisted in determining whether a patient has suffered a heart attack or has an impending cardiac arrest. A thorough evaluation can include:

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Lab testing

Cardiac enzymes

Other tests, like a chest x-ray, may lead to the diagnosis of another condition like a pulmonary embolism

What is the Medical Treatment for a Suspected or Actual Heart Attack?

There are a number of different ways to medically treat a person suffering a heart attack. The determination on which treatment method is required is based upon the condition of the patient, the cause of the cardiac condition, and other factors determined by physicians. Treatment for cardiac conditions can include:

Aspirin and blood thinners to prevent further blood clotting

Nitroglycerin to reduce the heart’s workload and improve blood flow through the coronary arteries

Can I Sue For Failing to Diagnose or Misdiagnosing a Heart Attack?

To sue a hospital doctor or clinic for failing to diagnose a heart attack, the evidence must show that:

The existence of a doctor-patient relationship (or hospital, urgent care, or clinic)

That the medical care or treatment provided was below the acceptable standard of care, including the failure to order necessary tests to diagnose a heart attack

That the alleged negligence caused injury, harm, or death to the patient from a heart attack or other cardiac condition

The patient (or estate) suffered quantifiable harm as a result of the failure to diagnose and treat the heart attack, which would include pain and suffering, disability, loss of income, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses and other economic harm.

Our lawyers will get all of your medical records, lab studies, and EKG strips and have them reviewed by board-certified medical experts. If the expert determines that you were the victim of medical negligence and that you were harmed by this malpractice, we will file a medical malpractice lawsuit on your behalf. These lawsuits seek compensation for pain and suffering, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages. The suit can also claim loss of income and medial expenses.

In cases where a patient dies due to the failure to diagnose a heart attack, the surviving family members can file a Michigan wrongful death lawsuit. The suits seek compensation for the pain and suffering from the time of malpractice until death, the loss of society and companionship from family members, lost income, and medical expenses.

Our Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawyer No Fee Promise

We will represent you in your Michigan heart attack malpractice case under our NO FEE PROMISE. This means that you will not be charged any legal fees whatsoever unless we obtain a settlement or recovery for you. You have absolutely no obligation for legal fees unless we win your case. If we do not obtain a settlement for you, you owe us nothing!

Contact Your Michigan Heart Attack Medical Malpractice Lawyer

To determine whether you or someone you know has the legal basis to file a heart attack medical malpractice lawsuit, you should contact our law office immediately to discuss your case. There are strict time deadlines for filing cases and if you miss that deadline your case will be barred forever. Fill out our contact form or call our medical malpractice attorneys at (800) 606-1717to get started on your case.